Leaf fall forces cuts (From Barry And District News)

Leaf fall forces cuts

PASSENGER services on the newly re-opened Vale of Glamorgan line are being cut for 11 weeks because of "autumn leaf fall".

From Monday, September 26 until mid-December, some off-peak trains will not stop at Barry Dock, Cadoxton, Dinas Powys, Eastbrook, Cogan or Grangetown Station.

Leaf fall is a major problem for train companies across Britain with drivers having to run at slower speeds to prevent wheel spin and over-shooting of stations.

Mike Bagshaw, director of performance and planning for Arriva Trains Wales said: "The leaf fall timetable is all about providing a realistic and consistent train service for our customers, while our drivers are forced to drive defensively and reduce their speed, to counter autumnal conditions.

"Much the same as you would allow more time for a road journey in icy or snowy conditions, these timetable changes allow us to prepare for similar conditions on the railway caused by fallen leaves."

He continued: "We appreciate that the leaf fall timetable will affect the routine journey times of some Arriva Trains Wales customers but believe that the vast majority will support the benefits of more punctual and reliable services on the line."

The service cuts have come under fire from the Passengers Rail Council.

Their Welsh spokesman Clive Williams said: "This will cause inconvenience to some passengers and Arriva Trains Wales will need to ensure they provide full information for travellers."

Posters displaying new train times under the leaf fall timetable will be on display at Arriva Trains Wales stations.

Customers are advised to collect a copy of the amended timetable from their local station.

Timetable information is also available at www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk

SERVICES AFFECTED

*Bridgend to Cardiff Central (Via Vale of Glamorgan line)

Mondays to Fridays

6.54am - will not call at Barry Dock, Cadoxton, Dinas Powys, Eastbrook, Cogan and Grangetown

8.54am - will not call at Barry Dock, Cadoxton, Dinas Powys, Eastbrook, Cogan and Grangetown

Services from 8.45am to 11pm will not call at Barry Dock, Cadoxton, Dinas Powys, Eastbrook, Cogan and Grangetown.